He said: “They are both amazing players and make a difference for the team. They are an inspiration. Cristiano has this quality of scoring goals in every game, this regularity to score and open up games.

“Kevin also, with his passes, his assists and the way he always puts the ball in the right position. They are different players in different positions and have different qualities, but both are amazing and it’s a pleasure to play with both of them.

JUST A BRU-HAHA Kevin De Bruyne plays down half-time bust-up with Man City pal David Silva

“The greatest players are the ones who can change games, not just the type of game against Stoke, but also the close ones like at Chelsea. It was 0-0 and he made the difference, scoring the important goal to win the game.”

Former Chelsea man De Bruyne is already being talked about as a potential winner of the PFA Player of the Year, even though the season is only two months in.

But he has some way to go until he can boast the kind of CV Ronaldo has. He has won the lot at club level with Manchester United and Real Madrid, as well as that triumph at the European Championships in France.

He has also beaten off great rival Lionel Messi to scoop four Ballon D’Or awards during a glittering career.

Silva has got De Bruyne marked as a future winner of the coveted award if he can keep the hunger that his countryman shows.

The former Monaco man, 23, added: “Even after winning all the trophies he has, Cristiano keeps hungry and has this will to always win more. That’s what most of the big players do, that’s what keeps him on a high level for so many years.

“Hopefully Kevin will win the Ballon D’Or in the future too because it’s just fantastic what he can do. This season he has been doing an amazing job for the team and solves a lot of games for us. I hope he can keep doing the same.”

De Bruyne’s sensational form is one reason why Silva’s City career has yet to take off. Boss Pep Guardiola has been reluctant to leave out the Belgian, while David Silva, Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane have also been in great form.

Silva — who was one of the stars of Monaco’s Champions League run last season — has hardly had a look in, but insists he is benefiting from being part of it.

And TalkSPORT pundit David Ginola said this week that City fans will soon discover their summer signing is worth waiting for.

Ginola watched him play for Monaco last season and believes he will prove better than his namesake David.